The Pandemic Changed the Way We See Our Homes
There are few elements of life that COVID-19 has not shifted, and homeownership is no exception.
Among the many lessons COVID has helped drive home is that the beloved phrase “home is where the heart is” rings profoundly true. Recent data show overwhelming appreciation for the idea and reality of home among Americans, with stark increases since 2019: the State of the American Homeowner 2021 Report indicates that 64% of Americans see their homes as more important than they did pre-pandemic.
Dependance for Safety
As lockdowns began and the world was repeatedly told that we’re “Safer at Home,” safety took on a whole new meaning. In addition to the shelter and comfort home has always embodied, now staying home meant protection from a fast-spreading virus for ourselves and our families. 83% of homeowners say that their homes have kept them safe throughout the pandemic.
Emotional Attachments
Whereas pre-pandemic surveys indicated that 58% of American homeowners felt emotionally attached to their homes, a staggering 70% now report feeling that attachment. Whether that’s due to the safety of home or the opportunity for new home improvement projects in freetime during lockdowns, the increase is undeniable. Although the need to spend more time at home drove many to feel stir-crazy at times, it also led to a newfound appreciation and sense of importance surrounding our homes.
Financial Security
Jobs once seen as secure vanished quickly during COVID, and others became unjustifiably unsafe. Homeowners in 2020 benefited from increased financial security knowing they had the nest egg or emergency fund of home equity to fall back on. Sinking interest rates and the possibility of refinancing brought a sense of ease and flexibility to countless members of the workforce.
Lifestyle Demands
Many people used to view their homes as places of rest and play, but the last year has forced us to flex the utility of our homes. Where we once saw homes as spaces of cooking, entertaining, playing and resting, we quickly added working, exercising, isolating, schooling, and attempted sanity-preserving to the list of uses. Spare rooms and living areas became home offices; basements and playrooms became classrooms; unused nooks and sunny lawns became gyms. We came to appreciate home as someplace flexible and adaptable. As lifestyles changed, the needs fulfilled by our homes did too.
From home improvement projects and renovations to budding searches for new homes, many activities in 2020 revolved around the desire for a home more fitting for our tastes and needs. For many, apartments - especially ones with roommates - suddenly felt inadequate. Dwindling in-person work demands sent droves of Americans away from expensive coastal cities and into areas where they could take advantage of historically low interest rates more affordably.
Also on the rise? Custom building. With newfound needs varying widely from family to family, many are finding that existing homes - and the incredibly competitive process of buying one - just aren’t for them. Instead, they’re buying lots and building homes grounded in their specific priorities and needs.
Custom building doesn’t have to be complicated. Ready to make your dream a reality? Get started on the smooth process to build your Atmos home today.
